Semafuko: New archer shooting for LA 28 Paralympics

Despite walking with difficulty due to weak nerves in both his feet, Isaac Semafuko used to play football at school. But just recently, he found archery, a game that suits his disability.

 “I used to admire archery but I had no access to it from school,” said Semafuko, who is preparing to study commerce at university.

“But my dad connected me to Hon. Mpindi [Bumali] who assured me of support and told me to also try swimming but I prefer archery,” Semafuko told Daily Monitor during Target Titans’ first shootout of the year at Kaazi Scout National Camping Ground.

Mpindi is a Member of Parliament and the president of the Uganda Paralympic Committee.

Under the guidance of coach Aisha Namukwaya. He had a promising debut. He totaled 239 points in six ends over 10 metres.

At Target Titans, Semafuko won’t feel lonely as the club already has para-archers Dennis Mbaziira, Precious Asiimwe and Ismail Ssebaggala.

And he won't just play. He’s got bigger dreams. “I am targeting the Los Angeles Paralympics in 2028.”

He has barely three years to live that dream. But he believes. “It’s all about consistency, practice and having the right mindset.”

Higher-quality gear can significantly increase costs. Advanced archery gear can be significantly expensive. And it’s one of the reasons the sport isn’t widespread in schools. But Semafuko believes that won’t be a barrier to him.

“I think my dad can afford it. And we also count on extra support from Hon. Mpindi.”

A diagnosis at Mulago Hospital revealed that he was born with a weak nerve in his left ankle joint. A transplant at CoRSU Hospital didn’t yield the intended results “because the new nerve wasn’t strong enough.”

But his right foot is also not strong enough. He walks with a limp and to avoid the frequent, sometimes dangerous falls, he needs a walking cane. For archery, he shoots while seated in a chair.

SEMAFUKO’S PERFORMANCE

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